Final Minutes Approved 09/16/2025
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmember/Board Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Member(s): Tem/Vice Chair Delgado (arrived at 6:35
p.m. via Zoom), and Mayor/Chair Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember/Board None
Member(s):
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney; Adrian Garcia, City Clerk; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; Danilo Batson, Interim Director of Public Works; Gerardo Marquez, Interim Director of Community Development; and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Zoom was provided for the public to participate during Public Comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Acosta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Ryan Clouse, Valley Community Outreach, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to recipients of the 2025 State of the City $100 Scholarships from Epiphany Catholic School, Miramonte Elementary School, and Monte Vista Middle School.
4.b. This item will be presented at the September 2, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
At 6:22 p.m., Councilmember Rodriguez left the chambers.
At 6:25 p.m., Councilmember Rodriguez returned to the chambers.
4.c. Deputy Ayers presented the Sheriffs Department Report for the month of June 2025.
At 6:35 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Delgado arrived to the meeting via Zoom, announced that he was participating remotely via audio/visual, and stated that no other individuals 18 years of age or older were present in the room at the remote location.
PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)
4.d. Code Enforcement Supervisor Rodriguez presented the Code Enforcement and Public Safety Department Report for the month of June 2025.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced Walk -On Agenda Item 10.f., a contribution to the Vet Hunters Project for $500, pursuant to Government Code 549542(b)2, the item did not come to the council's attention until after the posting of the agenda, there is a letter with today's date and a need for immediate action in the form of direction given in the subject, and in order to add this item to tonight's agenda it requires two-thirds of council present to approve the item.
Councilmember Acosta requested to pull Agenda Item 7.a. from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Motion by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve adding Item 10.f. to the agenda. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
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Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Eduardo Sauceda, resident, spoke on abandoned business buildings, bringing new businesses into the City, street repairs, revenues, and surpluses.
2. SiI Ruiz, Librarian, South El Monte Library, thanked the City for the weekend experience with the Summer Explorers program and provided pictures of the event, and provided information on the Family Movie Time program.
3. John Ventura, resident, spoke on Agenda Item 7.e., councilmembers and staff's conference attendance, the budget, concerns on cannabis buffer zones, an LA Times news article on ICE operations, expressed concerns on protection for residents, and requested that the City Attorney speak with
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
Partner Olivares regarding reports of detentions at the Edward R. Roybal building.
4. Fernando Morales, resident, spoke on fireworks awareness, shared pictures of fireworks that were thought to be legal but were cited as illegal fireworks, and spoke on difficulties with the citation payment process.
Mayor Olmos requested clarification on the picture and provided a brief response.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR — CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. This item was heard after approval of the Consent Calendar.
7.b. Approved the Minutes for the June 26, 2025, Special City Council Meeting and the July 1, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 25-065, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of July 2, 2025, through July 15, 2025, totaling $1,990,685.45.
7.d. Approved "going dark" on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
7.e. Approved the Request for Proposal ("RFP") for Consulting Services to update the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorized staff to solicit proposals.
7.f. Adopted Resolution No. 25-066, approving a three-year agreement with a two-year renewal option with Vasquez & Company.
7.g. Adopted Resolution No. 25-067, to vacate the Slope Easement at 1606 Durfee Avenue and authorized City Staff to proceed with the Slope Easement vacation.
Agenda Item 7.a. was heard at this time.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.a. CONTINUED FROM THE JULY 1, 2025, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING - CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR AUTHORIZATION
TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS THROUGH THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
PROCESS (RFP) FOR PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
Councilmember Acosta expressed his concerns on this item and expressed reconsideration to not go out for RFP and to keep the Public Safety Officers intact.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta. seconded by Mayor Olmos, to deny the RFP for Public Safety Services. Motion failed 2-3 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember (s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
ABSENT: Councilmember (s): None
Substitute Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos, to keep the Public Safety Officers and restore the Public Safety Department. Motion failed 2-3 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember (s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember (s): Bojorquez. Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
ABSENT: Councilmember (s): None
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the issuance of an RFP to provide public safety services in the form attached to the agenda report and to authorize the City to solicit proposals. Motion passed 3-2, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado,
NAYS: Councilmember (s): Acosta. and Mayor Olmos
t\I QI MT r'cunnilmemhor (s): None
8. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Motion by Vice Chair Delgado. seconded by Board Member Acosta, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0 by the following vote:
AYES: Board Member(s): Acosta. Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Vice Chair Delgado. and Chair Olmos
NAYS: Board Member(s): None
ABSENT: Board Member(s): None
8.a. Approved "going dark" on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF TWO AGREEMENTS WITH
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SGVCOG) TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE SGV WORK FORCE PROGRAM
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve both contracts with SGVCOG to participate in the Work Force program.
Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-068, OF
AN EMERGENCY PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AUDIO AND
VISUAL COUNCIL CHAMBER EQUIPMENT
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to find that there is a need to complete the emergency work, to adopt Resolution No. 25-068, to determine that there is a need to proceed with emergency work for the purchase and installation of audio and visual Council Chamber Equipment, and to approve an agreement with Western Audio Visual for the purchase and installation of the Council Chamber Equipment in an amount not to exceed $80,000. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.c. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-069, ADOPTING CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 3 WITH TOWNSEND
PUBLIC AFFAIRS LLC FOR GRANT WRITING SERVICES
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado requested a presentation by the consultant on future priorities.
Elisa Arcidiacono, Senior Associate. Townsend Public Affairs. provided a report on lobbying efforts for the City and upcoming earmark opportunities.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta. seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 25-069. adopting Contract Amendment No. 3 with Townsend Public Affairs LLC. Motion passed 5-0 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez. Rodriguez. Mayor Pro Tem Delgado. and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.d. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-070,
AMENDING THE MASTER AFFORDABLE HOUSING COVENANT AND
DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT, AFFORDABILITY COVENANTS AND
RESTRICTIONS BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE AND KB
HOME FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2540 ROSEMEAD
BOULEVARD
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta. to adopt Resolution No. 25-070, amending the previously approved Master Affordable Housing Covenant and Density Bonus Agreement, and Affordability Covenants and Restrictions. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez. Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.e. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-071,
APPROVING THE FORMATION OF THE SOUTH EL MONTE
COMMUNITY BENEFIT FOUNDATION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, provided a presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 25-071, to authorize the City Clerk or designee to draft any and all documents necessary to form the Foundation, directed staff to develop a process for selecting the first Board of Directors of the Foundation for review and approval, and directed staff to work with the City Attorney to draft the Foundation's Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation to reflect a community -led governance structure. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem r',-Ir,nr�r+ nnr) Mayor (lIrnos
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NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Walk -On Agenda Item 10.f. was heard at this time.
10.f. LETTER FROM MR. JOE LEAL, VET HUNTERS PROJECT, RE:
SUPPORT OF THE 6TH ANNUAL SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, "HEROES IN THE SHADOWS," STAND DOWN
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to donate $500 to the event. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.f.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez. Mayor Pro Tem Delgado. and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Independence Day Fireworks Festival, the 4th of July Celebration, a Community Bike Ride, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Governance Reform Task Force Meeting.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Independence Day Fireworks Festival. and the Independent Cities Association Summer Seminar.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he attended the following: the Independence Day Fireworks Festival, and the Independent Cities Association Summer Seminar.
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the 4th of July Celebration. the EI Santo Nino Community Center field trip at the Civic Center and City Hall, and the Independent Cities Association Summer Seminar.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Independence Day Fireworks Festival, the 4th of July Celebration, and the Greater EI Monte Community Hospital Board Meeting.
12. CORRESPONDENCE — None
At 7:49 p.m.. Mayor Pro Tem Delgado left the meeting.
13. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
13.a. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. Update on Commercial and Home Developments in South EI Monte Councilmember Acosta summarized his item and requested a progress report on property development.
Gerardo Marquez, Interim Director of Community Development. provided a report on current business and property projects in the City.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta. seconded by Mayor Olmos. to have a quarterly report on the progress of commercial development in the City. Motion passed 4-1. by the following vote:
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 13.a.1.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
2. Discussion/Action: South El Monte Emergency Preparedness — Flood Preparedness!
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item.
No action was taken on this item.
Councilmember Bojorquez requested a staff presentation at a future meeting on how Al technology has been used in the City.
14. CLOSED SESSION — None
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 8:09 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia. MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos, Mayor